Scottish Castles: A Look At Some Of Our Most Famous, With A Colourful History!

Updated 10 April, 2017

Our Scottish Castles have a long and colourful history. There are many to be found throughout the country, and some of them are said to be holding sinister secrets.

There are around 3,000 castles in Scotland.

They come in every size and stature, from simple farmhouses to royal residences, each with their own story, and possibly some sinister goings on. Some are ruins, others are used for accommodation and some of them even cater for wedding receptions.

With the struggles, history and pride that surround these castles, you’re guaranteed to find something interesting to learn, see, and experience. Most of them are steeped in culture and heritage, and with the breathtaking scenery that surrounds them, no visit to Scotland would be complete without seeing at least one of them.

Almost all of our castles deserve a mention, but time and space does not afford that luxury, so here I will give an overview of some of my personal favourites, and the most renowned. Many of our historic castles provide tours and accommodation.

FAMOUS SCOTTISH CASTLES…

I’ve featured here some of the most famous castles I’ve visited, in no particular order.

EDINBURGH CASTLE

The #1 (paid) visitor attraction in Scotland, and the setting for the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It dominates Edinburgh city skyline. My first visit was as a schoolboy, and it was on a school trip. The One-O-Clock Gun seemed so big, and I remember the teacher telling us the heartwarming story of Greyfriars Bobby…

STIRLING CASTLE

Stirling Castle is probably the most important castle in Scotland in historical terms due to it’s strategic position. Home to Mary Queen of Scots, the castle was seen as the gateway to The Highlands. And for that reason, it was widely believed that whoever held the castle, held the key to ruling Scotland…

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

She lies on the main tourist route to the Isle of Skye, one of the icons of Scotland and possibly the most photographed of all Scottish castles. Eilean Donan is one of the featured venues on my Castle Weddings page. It’s situated near Dornie, about 8 miles from Kyle of Lochalsh, on the west coast near the Isle of Skye.

URQUHART CASTLE

Set amidst spectacular scenery on the banks of Loch Ness, this is one of the largest Castles in Scotland, providing magnificent views over the loch, and the majestic Great Glen. This is another one with a long and bloody history, dating as far back as the 13th century. There’s no doubt that Urquhart Castle is one of….

DUNNOTTAR CASTLE

Dunnottar is located less than two miles south of Stonehaven, on the north-east coast of Scotland. Dunnottar Castle was the home of the Earls Marischal of Scotland, once one of the most powerful families in the land. It’s a ruined medieval fortress built on a precipitous rocky headland, in one of the most…

CULZEAN CASTLE

The beautiful Culzean Castle (pronounced kuh-lane) and Country Park, located near Maybole in Ayrshire, just off the A719, and the former home of the Marquess of Ailsa, the castle is now owned by the National Trust. The grounds host events during the year, including music festivals. Ex U.S. President Eisenhower…

GLAMIS CASTLE

Many of our Castles are shrouded in mystery, and behind the majestic appearance of Glamis Castle, there lies some very strange secrets. When you enter the chapel, castle tour guides tell you that there is one seat in the chapel that is always reserved for the “Grey Lady” and on one occasion more than a hundred…

Obviously there are many more castles in Scotland (about three thousand no less), and there are probably many more that deserve a mention here. But these are the ones I’ve been fortunate enough to visit, and hopefully I can add to this list eventually.

MORE ABOUT CASTLES….

SCOTTISH CASTLE HOTELSA stay in one of our Scottish Castle Hotels is the ultimate luxury. Take the plunge, treat yourself to something a little bit special, and take some good memories back home.

SCOTTISH CASTLE GHOSTSNo website about Scotland would be complete without a mention of Scottish castle ghosts, and there are many, from grey ladies to misty shapes and mysterious pipers.SCOTTISH CASTLE WEDDINGS Imagine the many banquets, stately dinners and balls that have taken place in the great halls of these Scottish Castles. Your opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Royalty.

See the Scotland Travel Information page for all the information you need for travelling to and within Scotland. Get some helpful advice on passports and visas, currency, weather, holiday extras, useful travel links and more.

Find A Hotel In Scotland – Search different providers, different prices, and user reviews. Save time and money, search them here for the best deal.